This post is not paid for but we were given complimentary admission to experience the event first-hand.
Halloween Horror Nights (Facebook | Website) is back and in full swing following last year’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Universal Orlando Resort invited us out to join in the party.
This year’s event runs through October 31 and celebrates 30 years of frights and scares with its trademark Halloween-themed haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment.
Tickets start at $70 for single-night tickets and guests must choose a night to attend ahead of time, and sooner would be better than later as they have a tendency of selling out rather quickly.
If you feel like it would be impossible to fit all of the scares into just one evening, they’re offering “Frequent Fear” passes or 26-35 nights of the fest so you can visit as much as you’d like and string out those scares for as long as possible.
We were treated to an Express Pass (don’t hate us) which lets you skip the regular lines, one at a time, at all of the haunted houses and participating rides and attractions – which could save you hours. Click HERE for more information on the Express Pass.
BASIC INSIDER TIPS:
- THIS IS A SPRINT AND A MARATHON: Unless you plan on coming back another night, you’re probably going to try to fit every house into one visit – which is totally possible but not easy. Arrive early and head to the back to work your way up front. Wear comfortable walking shoes and drink lots of water ‘cuz you’re going to be getting your steps in.
- BE PREPARED TO TWIDDLE YOUR THUMBS: You’re going to be in a line. The later you stay, the longer the lines, with wait times varying each hour. If you can’t afford the Express Pass then be sure to bring some games to play on your phone and maybe one of those fancy chairs that pop out from your hips so you can take a rest. But seriously, consider getting the Express Pass.
- THERE ARE PLENTY OF SPOTS TO EAT AND DRINK: If you didn’t eat before leaving downtown (because you’re apparently made of money) don’t worry, because there are plenty of places to eat and drink on your walk through the park. CityWalk has some great options but there are drink stations and diners pepped throughout the park while you’re Horror’ing it up. We stopped by Hard Rock Cafe for some ribs and nachos.
- NOT FOR KIDS: Universal says that this event is too intense for young kiddies and they don’t offer child prices as a result. That being said, if you have a bad-ass toddler that doesn’t scare easy, you can apparently take the risk. We saw plenty of kids here that will grow up to torture animals in the future and refrain from expressing love to their family.
- COSTUMES AREN’T ALLOWED: Don’t be weird.
- RESPECT THE SCARE ACTORS: You may forget, while you’re screaming and clutching your pearls, that the monsters are just people in costumes. Don’t be awful. Treat them with respect and have fun. Also, wear a mask to help minimize the spread of cooties.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRIZZLEE MARTIN (INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE)
Awesome 👏🏽